10 Famous Historical Forts of Goa: Recommendations for Visiting in September

In the rural area of Minas Gerais, about two hours from Belo Horizonte, is Catas Altas, which is a popular destination for religious tourism. However, the appeal of the municipality, with a population of just over five thousand residents, is due not only to this but also to its old buildings and natural beauty.

The name of the city is connected to its history, which began during the colonial period in the late 17th century. Underground springs, known as 'catas,' were discovered in this area. During the mining cycle in the following century, the richest and most productive mines were located on the crest of the ridge, which gave the name Catas Altas.

Carasa Sanctuary

The main attraction is undoubtedly the Carasa Sanctuary, located between Catas Altas and Santa Bárbara. Within this vast natural area, the complex includes trails, waterfalls, and endangered views, such as the lob-guara.

This animal has a special connection with the Nossa Senhora Mãe dos Homens church, built in Neo-Gothic style, which is located inside the sanctuary. For decades, lob-guaras have approached the church to feed on meat that church staff place on a tray.

Every night, around 7:30 PM, sanctuary staff place a tray of meat in the church's inner courtyard, and visitors wait silently for a possible appearance of the lob-guara. However, an encounter is not guaranteed, as this wild animal appears at its discretion. While waiting, caretakers talk about local fauna and the importance of preserving this species.

This tradition began in 1982 when the sanctuary's trash bins started being overturned in the mornings. Initially, dogs were blamed, until religious figures discovered that the nocturnal visitor was the lob-guara. Gradually, food trays began to be brought closer to the church, which gave rise to the ritual that has become one of the symbols of Carasa. According to the sanctuary, the practice is maintained because it does not violate the animal's natural hunting habits.

Those who want to see the 'Wolf Hour' should keep one important detail in mind: they must be staying at the Carasa Sanctuary, as daytime visits close at 5:30 PM, before the event begins. Accommodation options are available at the sanctuary and at Fazenda do Engenho.

The sanctuary is located on Estrada do Caraça, km 9, between the municipalities of Catas Altas and Santa Bárbara. In the center of Catas Altas, there are also other historic churches, where colorful buildings are situated around the main square. There is the 18th-century Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, but one should also visit the Church of Santa Quitéria, the Rosary Church, and the Chapel of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim.

Combining architecture and natural beauty, the Bicame de Pedra Aqueduct is one of the region's main tourist attractions. Located on Estrada Real, 12 kilometers from the historic center of Catas Altas, this aqueduct was built by slaves in 1792 and was used to transport water from Serra do Caraça to Brumadinho, where mined gold was washed.

Besides the old buildings, Catas Altas offers nature experiences. Located at the foot of Serra do Caraça, the landscape features peaks and waterfalls. The Carasa Sanctuary itself offers trails and waterfalls, among which stand out Cachoeira do Meio and Cachoeira de Maquiné.

For lovers of mountain tourism and climbing, good options are Pico de Catas Altas and Pico do Baiano. The former is about 1810 meters high and has a 7-kilometer trail. The latter is a rock mass 2016 meters high, featuring 750 meters for climbing.

The Casa Guaratuba / Studio 41 was described by the project team as a refuge located between the mountain and the sea, featuring a balcony situated on the beach, making it a unique element in the landscape.

Project Gallery

Information about the project was cited on ArchDaily in Portuguese, dated August 26, 2026.